Council to slash homelessness funding by 81%

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A council will slash its funding its Supported People services by 81 percent over the next three years.

Derby City Council's cabinet has approved proposals to cut housing-related support from £9.3 million this financial year to £3.8 million in 2013/14 and to £1.8 million in 2014/15.

Charity Homeless Link has warned the council that its cuts could force local charities to close, leading to more rough sleeping, more work for police and NHS services and an increase to the chances of vulnerable people coming to harm.

Rick Henderson, chief executive of Homeless Link, said: "The idea of cutting funding for local homelessness services by 81% is shocking. Anyone can become homeless and it’s an issue that damages both individuals and communities.

"We are in hard economic times but decimating the very services that prevent homelessness and get people back on their feet could cost the council more in the long-run.

"With rough sleeping and homelessness on the rise, this decision just does not make sense and we urge the council to reconsider."

The council's strategic director for adults, health and housing, Cath Roff, said: "The council is carrying out its budget setting process which concluded on the 4 January 2013. Council Cabinet will considered the outcome of the consultation at its meeting on 23 January and will take forward its budget proposals to full Council on 30 January 2013.

"The original proposals were to reduce the Supporting People budget by £6.114m by March 2014. A further reduction of £2m has now been proposed."